The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the detention of a journalist, Zainab Sodiq, at its National Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement on Thursday, the DSS said the subject was intercepted by FAAN AVSEC and operatives of DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on July 6, 2026, with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) en route Abuja from MMIA border control without an 'End User Certificate' (EUC).

"It is to be noted that, in compliance with National Security Adviser (NSA), Extant Regulations, which placed restrictions on acquisition and use of drones, Sodiq was intercepted while trying to board a flight to Abuja. When confronted, she admitted to not being in possession of the required documents," the secret police said.

Following due process, Sodiq was allowed to board her scheduled flight due to a prior engagement in Abuja. She was, however, directed to report on Wednesday, 8 July, to continue an investigation opened concerning her situation.

The DSS stated that the investigation is further in compliance with the NSA's extant rules, which confer on it the powers to impound and sanction any individual or corporate entity operating a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)/Drone in any part of the country without authorisation. It said the action is necessitated by global and domestic security concerns associated with the operation of drones, especially issues of privacy breaches and individual safety.